Antral follicle count over 35 – a clinic answers your questions

What’s a normal antral follicle count at 35?

If you’re over 35 and feeling overwhelmed by fertility planning, you’re not alone. Understanding your fertility starts with a few key factors, and the more you deep dive, you’re bound to read up on antral follicle count (AFC).

To help you navigate this crucial stage, we’ve partnered with leading Madrid-based fertility clinic Clínica Tambre, to answer your most pressing questions about average antral follicle count, wherever you’re at in the journey.

With over 45 years of expertise and some of the highest success rates in Spain and across Europe, Clínica Tambre is dedicated to providing world-class, patient-centered care. Their state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology support women exploring fertility treatments and egg donation options.

Connect with their exceptional team for expert guidance and world-leading compassionate care.

Q&A: Understanding antral follicle count at age 35

What are antral follicles?

Antral follicles are small, fluid-filled sacs, or follicles, in the ovaries that contain immature eggs. The quantity and quality of eggs decline as we age, particularly after the age of 35. So, measuring the number of antral follicles (known as antral follicle count) becomes crucial to assess ovarian reserve.

Antral follicles in their final stage of development are more responsive to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This makes them the most likely to continue growing into pre-ovulatory follicles. Typically, just one of these follicles fully matures each month and goes on to release an egg during ovulation.

Here’s a clearer and more concise version of your paragraph:

What test is used to measure the number of antral follicles?

The most accurate way to measure antral follicle count (AFC) is through a vaginal ultrasound. During this procedure, a small probe is inserted into the vagina to view the ovaries from different angles. Antral follicles appear as small black circles on the screen, and the number in each ovary is counted.

This information helps you and your clinic understand your egg development potential and tailor fertility treatments accordingly, including options like egg donation.

By age group: what’s considered low and normal?

While it’s well known that female fertility declines with age, it’s also important to understand that antral follicle count naturally decreases over time. Here’s a general guide to what’s considered a normal, low, or high antral follicle count by age group:

• Ages 25 to 34:
  A normal AFC is around 15.
  • Less than 5 is considered low.
  • More than 15 is considered high.
• Ages 35 to 40:
  A normal AFC is around 9.
  • Less than 3 is considered low.
  • More than 12 is considered high.
• Ages 41 to 46:
  As women approach menopause, fertility declines significantly. A normal AFC is around 4.
  • Less than 3 is considered low.
  • More than 10 is considered high.

It’s important to note that AFC can vary month to month and is typically measured during the early follicular phase of your menstrual cycle. Discussing your results with your doctor is the best way to understand what they mean for your fertility and next steps.

What is a good antral follicle count for IVF?

During an IVF cycle, your ovaries are stimulated to mature multiple follicles at once. The higher your antral follicle count, the more eggs your clinic can expect to retrieve.

If you’re over 35 and have a low AFC, you may need higher doses of stimulation medication, and there’s a greater chance your cycle could be cancelled.

While every individual is different, Clínica Tambre suggests that an antral follicle count between 10 and 15 is generally considered a good indicator for a positive IVF outcome.

What does it mean if my antral follicle count is lower than average for my age?

A lower-than-average antral follicle count (AFC) for your age may suggest a reduced ovarian reserve. While this can understandably feel concerning, it doesn’t mean you’re infertile or that pregnancy is out of reach. Every woman’s fertility picture is unique, and factors like egg quality, hormone balance, overall health, and uterine health all play a role in the ability to conceive.

What are the recommended next steps if I have a lower antral follicle count?

Although there’s no proven method to increase your antral follicle count, certain lifestyle and dietary changes can support your overall fertility. Avoiding smoking and alcohol, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, and staying active when possible can all help nurture reproductive health.

Speaking with your fertility clinic is also essential. The compassionate team at Clínica Tambre is on hand to help ease your worries by taking a holistic look at the factors influencing your fertility. Their approach includes exploring every avenue to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy, all within a warm, supportive environment where your concerns are truly heard. For women with a lower AFC, they offer advanced treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg donation to help boost the likelihood of conception.

When could egg donation play a role in treatment?

Choosing to use donor eggs is a deeply personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you have low or diminished ovarian reserve and are over the age of 35, IVF with donor eggs can significantly improve your chances of conceiving and bring renewed hope. Clínica Tambre’s reduced ovarian reserve offers a supportive and inclusive path to parenthood, with a diverse pool of healthy donors and an experienced team to guide you every step of the way.

What can I do, right now?

If you’re seeking guidance and clarity in your fertility journey, the team at Clínica Tambre is committed to truly understanding each patient’s individual needs at every stage. Should you decide to transfer your care, they are fully equipped to make the transition as seamless and reassuring as possible.

TRB readers can reach out to the exceptional team at Clínica Tambre now for a truly patient-centred experience in Spain.